Inspired by gentle raindrops, our Tagua bracelets bring together sustainability, nature, and age-old craftsmanship. Handmade in Ecuador, these natural jewelry pieces are more than adornments; they embody beauty, environmental mindfulness, and a sustainable choice of materials that preserve ecosystems and support local communities. So, what makes the tagua nut so special?
The Tagua Nut: Nature’s Ivory
Also called “vegetable ivory,” the tagua nut is harvested from palm trees in Ecuador’s lush rainforests. Hard, dense, and beautifully marbled, its creamy texture resembles traditional ivory, but without harming animals or the planet. Before plastic flooded the market, tagua was commonly used for buttons, dice, and other everyday items that may have touched generations of hands. Today, tagua is gaining ground as an eco-friendly, ethical alternative to ivory, especially in the world of handmade jewelry.
Tagua: The Elephant-Friendly Ivory Alternative
The scientific name for the tagua palm, Phytelephas, translates to "elephant plant," symbolizing its connection to both plant and animal ivory. Unlike elephant tusks, tagua is a renewable resource; each year, these palms yield new seeds, preserving rainforest ecosystems and keeping wildlife undisturbed.
From Palm Tree to Wrist: The Tagua Crafting Journey
Creating each tagua bracelet is a labor of love rooted in Ecuadorian tradition. The tagua fruits are harvested, then hand-sorted, dried, ground, dyed with vegetable-based pigments, and polished. Every step in this intricate process relies on organic dyes and eco-friendly materials, and even leftover tagua is repurposed as cattle feed for local communities. The result? Stunning, ethical jewelry that speaks to the beauty of nature and conservation.
Our tagua nut jewellery is not only an eye-catching accessory, but a symbol of sustainability and elephant conservation - a real win-win situation.
Behind the Brand: Visionary Craftsmanship
Founded by Ecuadorian entrepreneur Soraya Cedeno, the label reflects her commitment to sustainability, creativity, and social impact. In an exclusive interview with Soraya Cedeno, she shares her insights, her inspiration, and the passion driving her work.
© All photos via ABURY
All Product Features at a Glance
Product mame: Tagua Bracelet
Category: Jewelry
Colors available: Yellow, blue, black, pink, ivory, light green, turquoise, purple, brown, dark green, red, orange, pink, lavender
Size: One size fits all
MATERIALS
- Drop material: 100% Tagua from Ecuador
- Dyes: 96% certified vegetable dye
- Cord material: Waxed biodegradable cotton from Fire Mountain Gems, Oregon, USA
DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE
- Designed in: Stuart, USA (April 2013)
- Designer: Soraya Cedeno
- Manufactured in: Sosote, Ecuador (30-45 days production time)
- Manufacturer: Organic Tagua Jewelry
- Team: 52 artisans
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